Bhubaneswar: The sacred Deva Deepawali celebrations began today at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, marking the beginning of a three-day festive period at the 12th-century shrine.
According to tradition, Deva Deepawali is celebrated during the Margasira Krushna Chaturdashi, Amavasya, and Pratipada days. During this time, Lord Jagannath performs rituals for his ancestors.
The temple and its surroundings will be illuminated with a stunning display of lights, with garlands of lamps decorating the area on this occasion.
Lord Jagannath is adorned in a Nagapuri saree, measuring 16 to 18 hands in length, while Lord Balabhadra is draped in a dhoti that is 14 hands long and 4 hands wide. Devi Subhadra’s saree measures 12 hands in length and 3.5 hands in width on this occasion.
Over these three days, Lord Jagannath will perform human-like rituals. The Lord will offer ‘Deepadana’ and carry out other ceremonies to honour His ancestors. Moreover, the Lord will don the special Shraddha Besha attire, adding to the occasion’s grandeur.
Once the Besha ritual is complete, servitors offer diyas to the deities seated on the Ratna Singhasan.
“Today marks the Margasira Krushna Chaturdashi, followed by Amavasya and Pratipada, the three days when the Lords perform rites in respect of their ancestors, making this period a special occasion,” said a servitor.
“The glow of the diya decorations during these sacred days will extend from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, enchanting visitors and devotees alike. As the festival of Deva Deepavali continues, the vibrant atmosphere is expected to draw in large crowds, with pilgrims and tourists flocking to witness the spectacular display of lights and devotion. The mesmerising ambience will be further enhanced by the rhythmic chants and bhajans that fill the air, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend”, said a Puri resident.
